Just as the Lord soared back to the Father, so did our hearts at Mass this morning. The children's choir was practicing as I entered filling the church with their sweet young voices. As Father entered the congregation sang out in royal splendor…at least they raised the rafters.  Our readings spoke of Jesus Christ the Son of God, Second Person of the Trinity, returning to Heaven…Mission Accomplished! It also spoke of the ongoing mission that each of us received just before His ascension. He commissioned us to go forth and proclaim the Good News to all mankind.

Father then introduced us to Sr. Rose Henry Reeves, ss.cc who moved to the front. Sister is a local girl who is now missioned in India. Her face radiated joy, her body language love and reverence. She spoke of her joy in a part of the world that is undergoing much persecution. We were captured by her smile, her delight in being able to serve God in a land which distains Christians, especially Catholics. She spoke of vocations to the priesthood and sisterhood and their need for education. From youngest children to teens, all were mesmerized…more by her presence as love for God, through the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, poured forth with her words. She offered a magnificent prayer to Our Lady as her finale…the Ave Maria. Her voice soared higher and higher. I found myself holding my breath with tears in my eyes…what a tribute. Her own humility poured forth and humbled us. Our clapping went on and on.

Ascension…go forth…spread the Good News…"I am with you always". Let each of us be a Witness to Love as was our soon-to-be Saint Damien, our beautiful Sister Rose Henry, our parish family feeding the hungry today, our little children raising their voices to HIM, and you and me as we go about our days and weeks ahead!

Tags: Reflection

Having participated in many a May Day over the years, May Day 2009 was a winner! The weather cooperated to ‘da max’. The acoustics ‘did their thing’. The youngsters’ performances were fantastic (and as an old retired teacher, I can vouch for the effort and work put into the entire program!). Our MC’s did a beautiful job of introducing each class. Mrs. Arecchi’s sweetly introduced the ‘important’ guests…like Fr. Bert, Fr. Johnathan, Sisters Grace & Joan and Sr. William Marie (who did so very much to put St. Michael’s back on the map). The teachers and staff were highly coordinated as they may-poled with brilliant smiles on their faces . And what a delight for this Irish lady to have a dance dedicated to the isle of her ancestors!

The Taste of St. Michael’s was a great success. From Filipino Adobo & Lumpia to good old Hot Dogs & Hamburgers. From Italian Crab Cioppino, Mexican Chili, Samoan Palusami, Tongan smoked pig to Portuguese Vinha D”Alhos and Malasadas. When I heard it was a ‘taste’…I thought it would be only that…but wow! What helpings. Of course, we will have to set up several shave ice areas next year. Above all, our deepest Mahalo to those who provided all this delicious food, cooked it, and served it. And a special thank you to our pastor in his cow hat running around offering extra dinner rolls. That was a Kodak moment!

I arrived at morning Mass at 6:30 to find Fr. Johnathan and buddies already at work. I arrived again before nine to drive around several blocks looking for a parking place. I had to leave my ‘job’ of wrapping plastic forks several times to hug and kiss and love up friends and former students (two with triplets!!!). And I watched the joy on faces as they saw neighbors, fellow parishioners, and much of the North Shore. There is NO place on Oahu that compares to our beloved St. Michael’s.

Tags: Adult Faith Formation, St. Michael, Reflection